Queensland mining magnate Clive Palmer says he does not support BHP Billiton's call for a carbon tax.

The head of BHP Billiton, Marius Kloppers, says the government should introduce a carbon tax to send a clear signal to the market.

But Mr Palmer says the experience of his own nickel refining business in Townsville in north Queensland shows such a tax would be pointless.

"They were going to put a 10 per cent tax on us - that was the proposal - and we were going to get a 95 per cent rebate, so it was a half-a-per cent tax on the worst carbon people in Australia," he said.

"This is not the sort of legislation you want where they tax you on the one hand and subsidise you on the other hand.

"They may as not do it all - it's just a false thing for the community."